SUV of Deputy Enforcing 'Move Over' Law Hit

Sarasota County Deputy Chris Butler was making a traffic stop Sunday for a move-over violation when a vehicle hit his driver's side door as it opened.

Photo credit: Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office issued multiple traffic citations to an Ellenton man who failed to slow down or move over for law enforcement on the interstate and clipped the door of a patrol vehicle as a deputy was exiting the SUV.

Deputy Chris Butler was making a traffic stop Sunday on northbound Interstate 75 south of Clark Road for a move-over violation when a 2000 Cadillac hit his driver's side door as it opened.

The Cadillac driver, 77-year-old Robert Best, also failed to stop after the crash and was pulled over a short time later by another traffic deputy. Best said he was not aware he hit anything or that there was obvious damage to his vehicle.

Best was cited for a move-over violation, failure to maintain lane and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.

In addition to damaging Butler's vehicle, debris also struck the he pulled over causing minor damage.

Butler complained of a sore ankle and burning on his skin from the airbag deploying when the door was struck. There were no other injuries.